AEF vs MA: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF and MA are closely matched. AEF offers the higher yield at 12.05%, MA has the higher dividend-safety score, and AEF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price).
Key facts: AEF vs MA
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, abrdn Emerging Markets ex-China Fund, Inc. (AEF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.05%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AEF's dividend safety C (63/100) and MA's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AEF has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and MA for 14.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF pays out 17% of its earnings as dividends and MA pays out 18%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF's fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price and MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price, so AEF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AEF vs MA: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aef-vs-ma
| Metric | AEF | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 12.05% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.04 | $3.48 |
| Payout ratio | 17% | 18% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 14 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 28.2% | 13.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 9% | 96% |
| Dividend safety score | 63 (C) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $22.61 | $474.95 |
| Upside to fair value | +162% | -23% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $350.4M | $540.9B |
| P/E ratio | 1.9 | 34.0 |
Higher yield
AEF
12.05%
Safer dividend
MA
Grade A
Faster growth
AEF
28.2%
Better value
AEF
+162% upside
AEF vs MA — FAQ
Is AEF or MA a better dividend stock?
AEF and MA are closely matched. AEF has the higher yield; MA scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AEF or MA?
AEF has the higher forward dividend yield at 12.05%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is AEF or MA safer?
MA has the higher dividend-safety score (89/100 vs 63/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AEF or MA better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, AEF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 162% above its share price (undervalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.